5051 Stansfield
House Guide

House Guide

Generator Hookup

The main electrical panel has a "manual interlock" for hooking up the generator. The top right breaker on the main panel cannot be turned on unless the main breaker for the house is turned off. To connect a generator use the following procedure:

  1. Verify power out to house
  2. Turn off all breakers in both panel and sub-panel
  3. Turn off main (200A) breaker in main panel
  4. Slide mechanical interlock UP and turn ON the top right breaker for the generator
  5. Plug generator into dedicated socket on covered porch (Note the breaker size is 30A)
  6. Start generator on back porch ensuring the exhaust is pointed away from home
  7. Return to basement and turn on selected breakers. I marked with a small dot the ones that I used (well pump, septic, fridge, some lights, etc)

Water Softener

Dog Fence

Shed Solar System

Pool

  • Carlton Pools opens and closes
  • Open/Close typically may/oct - CALL EARLY for appointments
  • Pool cover replacement (probably want a new one for next winter https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008R6OFG4/)
  • Replacement Grids - they were inspected at close and are good - but they do wear out. If you want a spare set here's a link. Its not difficult to replace yourself. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0014GB44K/
  • Nature2 Cartridge - an extra filter element. NOT NEEDED for using the pool, but will help with algae control if you want to use it. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002IT5JPM
  • I usually by new water bags every year. They don't seem to last very long. Doheneys has good deals on them in the spring.

Chemicals

- Keep the Chlorinator turned up a bit higher than you might think.  It will save you on the cost of Shock (which has gotten much more costly in the last few years)
- Pool magnet a few times a season to remove the minerals
- Algaecide as needed
- Shock ~once a week 
- Backwash and replace DE (Diatomaceous Earth) every 1-2 weeks.  One bag put in the skimmer after backwash completed.

Backwash Procedure

1. Ensure water level 1/2 level above skimmers or higher (as you're removing water when you backwash)
2. Extend the drain hose
3. Turn off Filter
4. Turn Valve to "Backwash"
5. Turn on Filter
6. Watch sight glass for the water to clear
7. Turn off Filter
8. Turn valve to "Rinse"
9. Turn on Filter for a few seconds
10. Turn off Filter
11. Repeat from Step 4 - 10 a few times until the water is mostly clear when turning on in "Backwash"
12. Turn off Filter
13. Turn Valve to "Filter"
14. Turn on Filter
15. Slowly Empty one bag of DE into the skimmer box to recharge the filter

Pool Lights

There's a ring of lights around the outside fence. They all plug in to a power strip in the shed. They are just rope lights from Costco and I modified the wires to use underground low voltage cable to connect them. The sensors are all in one place (except for the one that crosses the second gate). You can use the remote to turn them on, set the color/pattern/etc to light up the pool area. For the one that crosses the gate i just run an extension cord out to it during parties/etc.

Local Companies

These are service companies that may be of use

Name Contact Notes
Chris' Small Engine Repair Chris Higgins, 484.633.6008, chiggins483@483.com Great for low cost small engine repairs (leaf blower, lawnmowers, etc)
Jeff's Window Cleaning www.jeffswindowcleaning.com, 215.622.7116 Cleaning outside of windows and chandelier
Krings Hearth and Home 610.367.4488, www.kringsonline.com Propane fireplace service company
Hovan the Sealing Man www.hovanthesealingman.com Re-sealing of driveway every couple years
Scenic View Landscaping 484.633.6008 Used for fertilizer
Table Of Contents
House Guide
Generator Hookup
Water Softener
Dog Fence
Shed Solar System
Pool
Chemicals
Backwash Procedure
Pool Lights
Local Companies